Discover the joys of home sprout gardening! This step-by-step guide shows you how to grow nutritious sprouts indoors. From selecting seeds to harvesting, learn the secrets of cultivating fresh sprouts at home.
Even if you don't have a green thumb, you CAN do this! No expensive equipment is needed. Give it a try! It's easy, delicious, and sprouts are incredibly good for you!
Ready? Let's dive in!
WHY GROW SPROUTS AT HOME?
Sprouts are:
- GOOD FOR YOU: Besides tasting good, sprouts are full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber – which vary depending upon the type of sprout.
- HEALTHIER: Sometimes they can be linked to food poisoning if purchased at the store. You get to control the cleanliness of the process.
- EASY: It’s incredibly easy to grow your own.
- INEXPENSIVE: It’s cheaper than purchasing sprouts at the store – over time you save money.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF SPROUTS
Sprouts are easier on the digestive system than their grown-up versions
They have a lot of nutrients: protein, folate, magnesium, and vitamins and minerals
Legume (green pea) sprouts:
- Produce DAO (find out why this is important by reading this article about Histamine Intolerance).
- Pea shoots are rich in vitamin A, vitamin B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5, B6, and B9 (folate), vitamin C as well as minerals like calcium and copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc. They are tiny lil nutritional and healthy powerhouses bursting with goodness!
Broccoli sprouts:
- Rich in a wide range of nutrients, including vitamin A,, vitamin C, and fiber.
- These power sprouts may lower your risk for heart disease and are also rich in coenzyme Q10 (helps lower blood pressure).
- Studies show they can reduce blood sugar and may help reduce inflammation linked to arthritis.
- These sprouts contain very high levels of sulforaphane, a nutrient possessing anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. This nutrient also may protect agains Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, stroke and help improve some symptoms of autism. Sulforaphane may also help with your gut health.
- DID YOU KNOW? Research has shown that freezing broccoli sprouts increases the sulforaphane levels!
SEEDS GOOD FOR SPROUTING
- Adzuki
- Alfalfa
- Beet
- Broccoli
- Buckwheat
- Fenugreek
- Green pea
- Kale
- Lentil
- Mung Bean
- Mustard
- Radish
- Red clover
- Spelt
- Sunflower
- Wheat
YOU WILL NEED
Containers and a kit for growing the sprouts in and the seeds. I recommend the following*:
Mason Jar Kit: Seed Sprouting Jar Kit with 2 Wide Mouth Mason Jars
https://amzn.to/3XVgXhM
Certified Organic Dried Green Pea Sprouting Seed - 1 Lb
https://amzn.to/3XWOSXi
(Or try Broccoli Seeds for Sprouting)
https://amzn.to/3Q21lXS
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I always recommend products I know/love/use.
DIRECTIONS
Day One
You will need 2-3 tablespoons of green pea seeds (or another type of seed you choose. Try broccoli sprouts - they're one of my favorites).
Add your seeds to the mason jar. Cover the seeds with water and add enough to fill half the jar.
Allow your seeds to soak for 6 hours or overnight.
See below for pictures.
Day Two
Drain the water, then rinse well and drain again.
Allow the jars to drain for 12 hours. Place the jars upside down in the stand, and tilt them to allow for better drainage.
After 12 hours, rinse your seeds, pour out the old water, and allow to drain, with the jars tilted in the stand. I rinse and drain in the morning and at night.
Day Three
Repeat the process: Drain the water, then rinse well and drain again, twice a day. See how they're starting to grow?
Day Four
Repeat the process: Drain the water, then rinse well and drain again, twice a day.
Day Five
Repeat the process: Drain the water, then rinse well and drain again, twice a day.
Day Six
Repeat the process: Drain the water, then rinse well and drain again, twice a day. Later in the afternoon, I harvested the sprouts.
HOW TO HARVEST
Rinse sprouts in fresh, clean water.
Remove the sprouts from the jars.
Loosen up the sprouts – it may be one big ol' sprout mass, so pull them apart gently.
Soak them in clean water, pat dry, and let them dry thoroughly on a paper towel.
Day One
Day One
Day Two
Day Three
Day Four
Day Five
Day Six
Harvest Your Green Pea Sprouts
HOW TO STORE
Store in refrigerator for 3-4 days or...
Freeze your sprouts in small batches.
RESEARCH
This research was based on my own experience of growing sprouts.
I also read the following articles and found them helpful:
DISCLAIMER
This website does not provide medical or nutritional advice.
The information contained on this website is for informational purposes only.
No material on this site is a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Always seek your physicians’ or qualified nutritionists’ advice before undertaking a new healthcare regimen or using any information you have read on this website to treat or prevent any condition.